Remembrance Day

November 9, 2012

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the Occasion of Remembrance Day

OTTAWA—This year, as governor general of Canada, I had the honour of taking part in the ceremony in France commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. I was also present during the commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. These two tragic chapters were among the bloodiest in Canadian military history.

On this Remembrance Day, we have yet another opportunity to honour the memory of those members of the Canadian Forces who, in times of war and conflict, gave their all to defend the values of justice, peace and security.

I am deeply grateful and have the utmost respect for the valiant soldiers who have served or serve today in the Canadian Forces. These courageous men and women truly embody the love for one’s country. It is thanks to them and to the sacrifices that they and their families have made that we are privileged to live in a free and democratic society. We owe them a tremendous debt.

To our fellow citizens in the Canadian Forces, I wish to convey my profound gratitude. Let us pay tribute to their lives and to their accomplishments, and let us renew our promise to never forget the terrible price of war.